Ralph--
My wife is the daughter of Joe Best, pioneer aviator. Her name is Phyllis Best O'Connor --she is one of
Joe's two daughters--the other is Averill Alice Laverne Best Jorgenson.
Joseph Frank Best was born in Riverside-Sheboygen,Wisconsin on Dec. 16 1894 and passed away
August 21st 1969 .in Seattle, Wa.
He married Jenny Elfreida Lyden from Pelican Rapids Minn.in1915.

KATHERINE STINSON - AVIATRIX - 1911
BEST BROTHERS AIRPLANE

Joe was also a very close friend of Katherine Stinson (the fourth U.S.
woman to receive her pilots license) and we have a letter written in longhand from her to Joe framed into a picture with some of the
wing covering material as a background.

Photo & legend from Robert J. O'Connor, 1-11-05

KATHERINE STINSON - 1911Collection of Robert J. O'Connor, 4-1-05

Katherine's Letter to Joe - 1914

Katherine Stinson wrote letters frequently to Joe Best and always called him "Little Brother," as she
was two years older than he. This is the only letter left that I know of. You can read a copy of the letter by clicking on:

I hope this information is of some use for your records.
Thank you for your interest---the daughters are very grateful for your efforts as am I.
Sincerely,
Robert J. O'Connor
9014-21st Ave. N.W.
Seattle, Wa.98117